West Nile Virus In Nashville: Human Case Confirmed, Mosquitoes Test Positive Countywide

NASHVILLE, TN — The Metro Department of Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Davidson County for 2017 Monday, plus 13 new mosquito cases.

The health department said the infected person is expected to recover.

(For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

The batches of mosquitoes were trapped in the following locations:

• Antioch – Near the intersection of Edge O Lake Drive and Murfreesboro Pike
• Green Hills – Near the intersection of Woodlawn and Estes Road
• Old Hickory – Near the intersection of Swinging Bridge Rd and Ensley Ave.
• Hermitage – Near the intersection of Andrew Jackson Pkwy and Highland View Dr.
• Hermitage – Near the intersection of Anderjackson Pkwy and Albany Dr.
• Donelson – Near the intersection of Donelson Pike and Lakeland Dr.
• Madison – Near the intersection of Neelys Bend Rd. and Gallatin Pike S.
• Goodlettsville – Near the intersection of Gallatin Pike N. and Alta Loma Rd.
• East Nashville – Near the intersection of Eastland Ave. and Preston Dr.
• East Nashville – Near the intersection of Trinity Lane and Gallatin Pike
• West Nashville – Near the intersection of 28th Ave and Charlotte Ave.
• South Nashville – Near the intersection of Polk Ave. and Nolensville Pike
• Waverly/Belmont – Near the intersection of 12 Ave. South and Acklen

The Health Department’s pest management staff will visit the neighborhoods in the coming week to pass out mosquito protection and prevention educational materials and monitor standing water looking for mosquito larvae. Staff will apply a granular larvicide to any areas where mosquito larvae are present.

Staff began trapping mosquitoes in all parts of Davidson County the first week in May. Trapped mosquitoes are then tested by the state health department. There have been no human cases reported in Davidson County and health officials say there are no plans to spray to kill adult mosquitoes.

The Health Department recommends taking the following steps to protect against biting mosquitoes, including:

• Limit time outdoors at dusk and nighttime hours when mosquitoes are present.
• If you must be outdoors then wear a mosquito repellent that is approved for use by the CDC – those include products that contain DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Pant legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned.
• Make sure your windows and doors have screens and are in good repair.

Health Department officials recommend taking steps to reduce mosquito breeding areas. This includes:

• Reduce or eliminate all standing water in your yard – especially in children’s toys, bird baths, clogged gutters, tires, flowerpots, trashcans, and wheelbarrows.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with Gambusia fish.
• Apply mosquito dunks in standing water areas on your property.
• Cut back overgrown vegetation (mosquito hiding areas).

Health Department staff began monitoring standing water in all areas of Nashville in late February. Staff applies larvicide when mosquito larvae are present to kill the larvae before they become adult mosquitoes.

Visit the Health Department’s website for updates on West Nile virus and Zika. Davidson County residents that are having mosquito problems can call 615-340-5660 to arrange to have a pest management staff member come and inspect your property and provide mosquito control and prevention advice. Pest management staff will check your property for standing water and apply the larvicide if mosquito larvae are present.

Image via Shutterstock